AVANTPET 2.0

Pets run warmer than people, and air conditioning only goes so far. OCEAN FLOW INC. says it designs products with pets, people and the environment in mind, and that its CEO, a pet owner, has driven the development of products aimed at animal health and wellbeing. AVANTPET 2.0, framed by the company as a response to a warming climate, is its first formal step into the pet market via Kickstarter.

The gel

According to the maker, the cooling gel is made from ingredients also used as food additives in products such as ice cream, jam and candy, so a pet that chews through the mat and swallows some gel should not be at risk. The low-viscosity gel is said to conduct heat well, drawing warmth away from the body and holding a temperature 5.4°F to 9°F (3°C to 5°C) below room temperature for an extended period.

Conventional polymer gels can freeze hard enough to irritate skin. The maker states that the AVANTPET 2.0 gel has a freezing point of -58°F, so it freezes smoothly into a slush. The company also says that, unlike typical polymer gels that tend to absorb moisture, its gel does not, thanks to food-grade ingredients and proprietary technology, which it claims keeps cooling performance stable over time.

Cover and upkeep

• Polygiene-treated microfiber fabric, described as durable, quick-drying and water-resistant, with odor control for sweat-related smells
• Mold resistance: the gel contains phytoncide, a plant- and wood-derived substance, and PG, a food additive with preservative and moisturizing properties, which the maker says inhibit mold as the mat cycles between room temperature, fridge and freezer
• Routine cleaning by wiping with a damp kitchen towel or microfiber cloth; for deeper cleaning, a soft brush with neutral detergent in water at 40°C or below, then thorough drying in the shade

OCEAN FLOW INC. says it plans further pet products under the same philosophy. Sizes, dimensions and pricing are not given in the source material.